By: LaJaunie's Pest Control 
October 24, 2025 
Formosan termites are among the most destructive pests in Louisiana. In Baton Rouge, they can cause severe damage fast. After they move in, they chew through wood, drywall, and insulation, often before you notice them.
Many homeowners mistakenly believe the early signs are water damage or normal wear, allowing the infestation to spread undetected.
Louisiana’s humid climate helps Formosan subterranean termites thrive. They spread fastest in areas with poor drainage or leaky pipes. If you suspect termite activity in your Baton Rouge home, learn the primary signs of Formosan termites so you can act quickly and protect your home with trusted termite control in Baton Rouge, LA.
Key Takeaways
• Formosan termites are an invasive species that thrives in Baton Rouge’s warm, humid climate.
• Look for mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, and piles of frass near walls or baseboards.
• Early termite detection prevents structural damage and costly repairs.
• Local pest control experts can provide inspections and family-safe treatments for your home.
Recognizing the Most Common Formosan Termite Signs
Formosan termites build mud tubes along foundations, crawl spaces, and even attic beams. These tubes are a clear sign of an active colony. If you see them, do not break them. Contact a pest control company in Baton Rouge for a termite inspection immediately.
Another possible sign is termite droppings, also known as frass. Formosan termites live in soil, but you may still notice small pellet-like debris near windowsills or baseboards. People usually mistake it for sawdust. Spotting these signs early helps you limit damage to wood.
How to Identify Termite Damage Inside Louisiana Homes
Termite damage often looks like water damage. Wood can look blistered, sag, or feel soft. Tapping walls or floors may sound hollow because termites eat the wood from the inside, leaving a thin shell. Over time, they weaken beams and joists, which can be unsafe.
Another warning sign is the presence of piles of discarded wings near windowsills or light fixtures. These come from winged termites, called swarmers, that leave the colony to start new ones. Finding wings indoors often means termites are already inside.
Homeowners often ask how quickly termites can destroy a house. It depends on the colony size and location, but Formosan colonies can cause severe structural damage within a year if left untreated. Due to their rapid spread, Louisiana homes require professional treatment and regular inspections.
Differences Between Formosan and Other Termite Species
People often confuse Formosan termites with other types of termites found in Louisiana. The two other common types are native subterranean termites and drywood termites. Knowing the difference helps you choose the proper treatment.
Formosan subterranean termites build large termite colonies that can contain millions of workers. They rely on soil moisture to survive and often create carton nests in walls or attics.
In contrast, drywood termites live entirely inside dry wood and don’t need contact with the ground. When comparing Formosan vs. drywood termites, the Formosan species is far more destructive and spreads faster.
If you are not sure which species you have, schedule an inspection with a licensed pest control company. Professionals use tools such as moisture meters and probes to identify the species and determine its extent of spread.
Where to Look for Termite Activity Around Your Home
Baton Rouge homeowners should inspect damp spots and areas where wood comes into contact with soil. Look for leaky pipes, clogged gutters, and cracks in the foundation. Termites often enter through expansion joints, crawl spaces, and damaged vents.
In attics, look for tunnels or carton nests near insulation and beams. Routine inspections and moisture repairs can help prevent a termite infestation in Louisiana.
Formosan termites feed on cellulose materials like wood, paper, and cardboard, so they can also damage furniture, books, and stored boxes. Homeowners dealing with these pests often wonder about tips for getting rid of termites in furniture. Professional termite control services in Louisiana use targeted treatments that eliminate colonies without damaging belongings.
When inspecting for warning signs, remember that termite damage can appear in unexpected areas such as window sills, door frames, and floors. Mud tubes, hollow wood, or small piles of frass are all early signs of a Formosan termite infestation in Louisiana homes.
When to Expect Termite Swarms in Baton Rouge
In Louisiana, termite season often peaks from April to July. During this time, swarmers leave their colonies to start new ones. Seeing swarms by porch lights or windows is an early sign of an infestation, and knowing what to do about termite swarmers in Baton Rouge can help prevent new colonies from forming.
The swarming season is particularly active in humid areas, such as Baton Rouge and New Orleans. If you notice swarmers around your property, act quickly to prevent new colonies from forming. Left untreated, even a few winged termites in Louisiana can lead to a full infestation.
Professional Solutions for Formosan Termite Control
Formosan termites are aggressive and can be difficult to eliminate using DIY methods. Because they often hide inside walls, floors, and attics, professional pest control services in Baton Rouge are the safest and most effective option.
Local exterminators employ advanced termite control methods, including soil barriers and baiting systems. The process starts with a detailed inspection to locate termite activity, followed by customized treatments designed to target colonies without harming your home or family.
If you’re wondering what to expect from professional termite treatment, you can expect a full inspection, a detailed service plan, and follow-up visits to ensure the termites are gone for good.
Formosan termites create extensive subterranean networks that can be difficult to detect, making ongoing monitoring crucial. Scheduling annual termite inspections helps identify new colonies before they cause severe damage.
Making the Right Termite Control Choice for Your Louisiana Home
Termites remain active in southern Louisiana year-round, putting homes in Baton Rouge at constant risk. Acting early is the best way to protect your home’s structure and prevent costly repairs.
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we offer licensed termite inspections and effective treatment options throughout Baton Rouge and its surrounding areas. Our experts identify the source of the infestation and use proven methods to stop termites at the source.
Need help protecting your home from termites? Contact us today to schedule your inspection.
FAQs
What are the most common signs of termite damage?
Look for hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes on walls, and piles of termite droppings near baseboards or window sills. These are clear indicators that termites are active.
When is termite season in Baton Rouge?
Termite season typically peaks from late spring through early summer. During this time, swarmers emerge to start new colonies, often seen near outdoor lights.
How do professionals treat Formosan termites?
Exterminators use a combination of bait systems, liquid barriers, and regular monitoring. Professional treatment removes colonies and helps prevent new infestations.
